Rep. Mike Chippendale

Prohibits cities or towns that implement a rent control ordinance from raising property taxes and such prohibition would last for as long as the rent control ordinance is in effect.

Amends the Rhode Island Transit Authority (RIPTA) board composition by adding the Rhode Island Climate Community to the groups given due consideration for appointment to the board.

Eliminates mandated housing densities/density bonuses for public drinking water supply watersheds/groundwater. Requires densities not exceed water availability, introduce pollution, stay within public water or sewer system capacity limits.

Restores the requirement that a local review board issue findings for denial in reviewing a comprehensive permit request and clarifies that affordable housing units shall be included in each town and city when the building permits for units are granted.

Expands Rhode Island Housing’s authority to revise the qualified allocation plan to prioritize cost-efficient affordable housing production and total units, while reducing the scoring weight of non-production-related criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill, HR 8396, is a symbolic resolution that officially designates April 2026 as Autism Awareness Month in the State of Rhode Island. It aims to increase public understanding of autism by recognizing the achievements of individuals and agencies supporting those with autism spectrum disorders. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Autism Society of Rhode Island Chapter to facilitate this awareness effort.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution honors Charles Kelley for his thirty years of service as Executive Director of the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority. The bill recognizes his leadership in developing loan software, establishing nonprofit refinancing options, and creating college planning centers that assist thousands of students. It formally thanks him for his retirement and instructs the Secretary of State to send an official copy of the resolution to him.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 2026 as 'Bilingual and Multilingual Learner Month' in Rhode Island to honor the state's diverse linguistic heritage and support students who speak languages other than English. The resolution aims to raise awareness about the educational needs of multilingual learners and encourages schools to adopt inclusive practices that value students' native languages. By directing the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Department of Education, the bill seeks to promote educational equity and celebrate the cultural assets brought by multilingual communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that expresses condolences for Jennifer Goulet, a figure skating official and volunteer from North Providence. The resolution honors her contributions to the sport, including her roles as a judge, referee, and leader in organizations like U.S. Figure Skating and the New England Interclub Council. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to her family as a formal gesture of respect.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally recognizes Roger Williams University's School of Law, School of Justice Studies, and Extension School for their contributions to legal and justice-related fields in Rhode Island. It commemorates the date of April 2, 2026, as RWU Law and Justice Day, highlighting the university's programs that provide education and training to students and residents. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the document to the university to complete the official recognition.